East Leaves

Tea Categories

An assortment of the six classic Chinese tea varieties displayed together

THE SIX CLASSIC CHINESE TEAS

Major Tea Types

All true tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, divided into six core categories by how the leaves are processed. Each type has its own color, aroma, caffeine level and flavor profile — from light and floral to rich and earthy. Explore below to learn what makes each tea family unique.

Green Tea

Light, grassy and refreshing. Rich in antioxidants with minimal oxidation, green tea preserves the natural character of the leaf.

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Black Tea

Bold, malty and full-bodied. Fully oxidized for a rich, robust flavor, black tea is the most widely consumed tea type in the world.

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Oolong Tea

Complex and aromatic. Partially oxidized between green and black tea, oolong offers a wide spectrum of flavors from floral and creamy to roasted and fruity.

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White Tea

Delicate and subtle. The least processed of all six tea types, white tea is air-dried to reveal its naturally sweet, silky character.

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Yellow Tea

Rare and mellow. Slow-dried to remove the grassy edge of green tea, yellow tea yields a smooth, honeyed cup that is among the most prized in China.

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Dark Tea / Pu-erh

Earthy and aged. Fermented over time for a deep, smooth taste, dark tea including pu-erh develops complexity that grows richer with every passing year.

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